“Sex workers” should be respected

I believe that people who choose to pursue work in the sex industry should not be stigmatized for choosing to do so.

This lack of respect hinders the ability to make a distinction between sex work and sex trafficking.

It is important to understand that the term “sex worker” is not prostitution and covers sex work but also includes pornography, stripping, and escorts.

Regardless of the sex work, many people argue that this line of work is immoral and that those who partake in the industry are setting themselves up for mistreatment.

They try to justify these judgments by saying they are “all maniacs and oppressors,” said Tomcat, one of “Kink’s” porn directors.

Some try to argue that this line of work isn’t a form of real work but rather just an easy way out because “everyone wants a Lexus and they don’t want to work for it,” said porn-star John Paul of “Kink.”

Those who partake in the industry should not be classified as less than workers of other industries.

There is no way that this line of work could be easy because it takes a mental toll on most due to criticism by society.

Take note that sex work and sex trafficking are not synonymous.

Yet some people use sex work as a euphemism for sex trafficking.

This helps invoke the stigma that sex work encourages and therefore promotes sex trafficking when there is a huge difference.

The difference is choice. Sex workers chose to be a part of this work.

“Everything is consensual. They are in control of the scene,” said Princess Donna, a porn director in the documentary “Kink.”

“People often think that sex workers are forced into the industry which is why they are viewed so poorly in society,” said student Melisa Contreras.

Sex worker motives vary widely and can include debt, survival, and empowerment or just as a way of earning a living.

In the documentary “Kink” you see the directors promote a safe and caring work environment, which is one thing many people don’t get to see.

“If they aren’t comfortable with what we are shooting we change it to accommodate what they are comfortable with,” said Princess Donna

Whether it is because of money or just the enjoyment behind it the actors talk about how it’s like any other job.

“There are days where you genuinely enjoy it and there are other days when you’re there for the money,” said Paul.

“The biggest misconception is that they think we are contributing to the down-fall of people,” said “Kink’s” porn director Tomcat.

These negative connotations allow sex workers to be mistreated and criminalized in a society which may prevent them from seeking legal redress in instances where they actually are being mistreated.

We need to respect that these workers are entitled to do whatever they wish to do with their bodies so long as it doesn’t hurt others.

They are people looking to find a source of income that best suits their needs, which should be respected.